Step-by-Step Import Process for Indian Businesses: Complete Guide for 2025

Importing from China or any global market is one of the smartest ways for Indian businesses to scale — offering better pricing, high production capacity, and a massive variety of products.
But the import process can be confusing if you’re new to international trade.

To make it simple, this guide breaks down the entire import process step-by-step, exactly how we at Inex Solutions manage it for our clients.

1️⃣ Identify the Right Product to Import

Your import journey begins by selecting the right product.
Choose items with:

• Strong market demand

• Good profit margin

• Low competition or high differentiation

• Reliable supply availability in China

Many Indian businesses successfully import accessories, electronics, textiles, homeware, hardware tools, and custom OEM items.

2️⃣ Find and Verify Reliable Suppliers

This is the most important step.
Working with the wrong supplier can lead to poor quality, delays, and financial loss.

To verify a supplier:

• Check their business license

• Review their export history

• Request product samples

• Ask for factory images/videos

• Verify product certifications

Inex Solutions performs supplier background checks and factory audits in China to ensure you deal only with trusted manufacturers.

3️⃣ Request Samples Before Bulk Order

Never place a bulk order without testing samples.
Samples help you confirm:

• Material quality

• Size, weight, colors

• Functionality

• Packaging standards

Inex Solutions helps coordinate sample collection, testing, and feedback before production begins.

4️⃣ Finalize Pricing, Terms & Contract

Once satisfied with the supplier, finalize:

• Product pricing

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ)

• Packaging & labeling requirements

• Delivery timeline

• Payment terms (30/70, LC, TT)

• Warranty or damage policy

A written contract avoids misunderstandings and protects both sides during the import process.

5️⃣ Place Your Order & Make Initial Payment

Most suppliers require:

• 30% advance for production to start

• Remaining 70% before shipment or against BL copy

Avoid paying 100% upfront.
Inex Solutions assists with safe payment handling and ensures your order follows contract terms.

6️⃣ Production Monitoring

During manufacturing, mistakes can happen.
To ensure consistent quality:

• Monitor progress

• Verify photos/videos

• Request changes if needed

Inex Solutions conducts mid-production and pre-shipment inspections so you receive exactly what you ordered.

7️⃣ Pre-Shipment Quality Inspection

Before the supplier ships your goods, a final quality inspection checks:

• Product quality

• Quantity

• Packaging

• Labelling

• Any defects or variations

This is the most critical step to avoid surprises when your shipment arrives in India.

8️⃣ Shipping: Choose Air, Sea, or Express

Your shipping method depends on urgency and budget:

Air Freight

• Fast: 4–10 days

• Costlier

• Ideal for small/medium shipments

Sea Freight

• Cheapest for bulk

• 25–40 days

• Recommended for importers scaling their business

Express/Courier

• Fastest (3–7 days)

• Best for small sample-level shipments

Inex Solutions provides door-to-door shipping, saving you from coordinating multiple logistics partners.

9️⃣ Customs Clearance in India

Every shipment entering India must clear customs.

Essential import documents include:

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

• Certificate of Origin

• Insurance Certificate

• HS Code & Duty Details

Our team at Inex Solutions prepares and manages all documentation for smooth, fast customs clearance.

🔟 Pay Import Duties & Taxes

Duties depend on:

• The HS code

• Product type

• Country of origin

• Government notifications

You will pay:

• Basic Customs Duty (BCD)

• IGST

• Social Welfare Surcharge (where applicable)

To avoid miscalculation, you can use the Inex Solutions LDP Calculator to know your exact landed cost.

1️⃣1️⃣ Final Delivery to Your Warehouse

After customs clearance, goods are delivered to your:

• Warehouse

• Shop

• Amazon FBA center

• Storage facility

Inex Solutions offers end-to-end logistics, ensuring your shipment reaches safely and on time.

Conclusion

Importing products into India is a powerful way to grow your business — but only if done correctly.
With the right partner managing sourcing, inspections, customs, and shipping, the entire process becomes smooth, predictable, and profitable.

Inex Solutions simplifies global importing with:

• Verified suppliers

• Quality inspections

• Secure logistics

• Accurate landed cost calculation

• End-to-end support

So you can focus on selling while we handle everything from factory to warehouse.

👉 Start importing the right way!
Contact Inex Solutions for expert sourcing and end-to-end import support.
📩 Email: sales@inexsolutionsconnect.com
🌐 Website: www.inexsolutionsconnect.com